Thursday, November 21, 2024

HappeningPH Music! Monopolice’s New Track “Legion“ Explores Facing Life’s Hard Truths

HappeningPH Music! Monopolice’s New Track “Legion“ Explores Facing Life’s Hard Truths

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Cebu City, Philippines – Monopolice, a Cebu-based band rooted in introspective indie and alt-rock, just released their latest single “Legion” last Friday, November 15. The new track is now available for streaming and purchase on all major digital platforms and Bandcamp.

“Legion” is a journey into the band’s own friendship, a lifeline they extended to one another during a tough period. When Amiel Cortes, one of the guitarists, was grappling with a difficult condition, the band found it difficult to start that conversation. As Miguel Lim, their vocalist and guitarist, explained, “’Legion’ became a method for the band to start talking to Amiel about it and assuring him that he wasn’t alone.”

There’s something deeply human about “Legion”. More than just a song, it’s an unspoken conversation and a lifeline that shows up when you need it most. Monopolice wanted this track to reach anyone who’s feeling the pinch of isolation or grappling with tougher moments in life. “It’s important to talk about things that are very difficult to talk about,” adds Lim, hoping listeners will feel nudged to open up, even if it’s just to themselves. This kind of sincerity is the essence of “Legion”—a reminder that, sometimes, connection starts with the smallest, quietest steps.

The writing and production process for “Legion” was, by monopolice’s standards, quick and almost instantaneous. Lim, Cortes, and guitarist Karl Lucente started with the structure on acoustic guitar. The words flowed naturally, if nonsensically at first. But when they took it to the studio, everything fell into place, with Jesiree Geverola on bass and Peter Mascarinas on drums adding layers to what has become an anthemic and deeply personal piece.

With echoes of bands like Interpol and Rivermaya, “Legion” has a surreal, otherworldly vibe, much like the Marvel character Legion—who inspired the song title as he struggled in a haze between dreams and reality. And, as a nod to those silent, heavy topics, the cover art features an elephant, representing the metaphorical “elephant in the room”.

For monopolice, whose members balance full-time jobs with a dedication to their music, “Legion” is more than a music release; it’s a heartfelt offering to everyone going through a challenging time. So if you’re feeling the weight of this  little gloomy season, or just need a moment to feel connected, give “Legion” a listen. Let monopolice’s journey through friendship and resilience remind you that some things don’t need saying to be understood.

Stream Legion today on your favorite streaming platforms and on Bandcamp.

About monopolice:

monopolice is an alternative rock project founded by Filipino singer-songwriter and producer Miguel Lim (vocals), Karl Lucente (guitars), Amiel Cortes (guitars), Steven Medalle (bass), and Peter Mascariñas (drums). 

What started as an experimental solo project of Lim and Lucente progressed into a full-fledged band, formed within the first rehearsal. Monopolice draws heavily from influences in 1990s and 2000s rock, art-rock, and shoegaze.

Their debut single A Fine Day For A Swim is set to drop in May 2023.